Bucs set up meeting with mid-round CB

Matthew Postins

03/25/2008

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could spend at least one of their five draft picks on a cornerback next month, but it doesn't have to be their first-round pick. As the Bucs continue their efforts to scout talent, Bucsblitz.com has learned that the Bucs have set up a formal visit with a potential cornerback selection.

The departure of Brian Kelly to Detroit turned cornerback into a need position in April's NFL Draft, and Tampa Bay will meet with a potential pick who had an eye-opening workout at his recent pro day.

TFY Draft reported that Iowa cornerback Charles Godfrey has at least a dozen meetings set up, including a meeting with the Buccaneers. It's unclear if the meeting will take place at the Bucs' facility in Tampa or in Iowa City.

Godfrey is rated as a third-round value by some scouting services. Scout.com ranks the 6-foot, 207-pound corner No. 18 among cornerbacks.

Godfrey put together a stellar performance at his pro day. He ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, nearly a tenth of a second better than his combine time. He also showed off his vertical leap, as he jumped 37 ½ inches.

To some scouts, Godfrey is an under-the-radar selection with one eye-popping stat, courtesy of the Iowa coaching staff — his pass coverage assignments accounted for just 15 receptions for 117 yards and no touchdowns last year.

He was also the most versatile defensive back on the team, having played all four positions. He started at right cornerback his final two seasons.

Last year Godfrey finished with 65 tackles. He also deflected nine passes and was ranked third in the Big Ten with five interceptions.

Oddly enough, NFLDraftScout.com compared Godfrey to current Bucs free safety Tanard Jackson, a fourth-round selection last year. The comparison made the point that Godfrey appears more comfortable as a free safety, where he can help in run support. The scouting report also said that Godfrey could be a reckless player, a style that can lead to pass interference calls.

Matthew Postins covers the Buccaneers for BucsBlitz.com and the Charlotte Sun-Herald in Port Charlotte, Fla. An award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers Association, he appears frequently on Scot Brantley Show from 3-6 p.m. weekdays on WHBO 1470-AM in Tampa-Clearwater.